Video: Shooting Violates Sanctity Of Church Sanctuary

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COLUMBUS, Miss.(WCBI)–Nine people are killed at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. We’ve heard of shootings at colleges like Virginia Tech and school shootings at places like Columbine and others; but this time its happening at a place of worship.

A church sanctuary is where the faithful gather to worship, but when there is a violation of the sanctity of that holy place, many find themselves at a loss for words. Pastors are pointing to a lack of respect for human life.

“First we should not be surprised; violence has always existed in the world. Having a church building isn’t some sort of magical shield,” said Pastor Josh Daffern/ Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

“What we have is a culture of violence, and our nation, both religiously and politically, needs to look at how do we curb that violence,” said Pastor Steve Jamison/Maranatha Faith Center.

Pastors have a message for members of the South Carolina congregation, retaliation is not the right course of action for members of the Christian faith.

“I think the scripture is very clear on that that we do not match violence with violence. We pray for those who do us wrong. However, the bible says a law is for the lawless, and the law should address those situations,” said Pastor Steve Jamison.

In response to the unexpected church shooting, pastors we spoke with say Christians have no choice but to forgive the shooter and have a plan in place should the unthinkable ever occur again.

“So his prayers can be answered. We realize that, as Christians, if we don’t forgive, our prayers are not meaningful,” said Pastor Steve Jamison.

“that you have an evacuation plan that, make sure you get as many people out, especially the kids, out as quickly as possible,” said Pastor Josh Daffern.

It’s hard to forgive when there is the death of a loved one. In this case nine families will somehow have to love and not hate.